Soltam ATMOS 2000

2001 MODERN SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY

• 1 History of Soltam ATMOS 2000
• 2 Soltam ATMOS 2000 Specification
  • 2.1 Basic
  • 2.2 Roles
  • 2.3 Performance
  • 2.4 Armor
  • 2.5 Changes

History of Soltam ATMOS 2000

Soltam Systems, a private company primarily targeting the export market, developed its ATMOS 2000 wheeled self-propelled gun at the turn of the century. Unlike the standard self-propelled tracked guns popular with many ground forces around the world today, Soltam's approach was to opt for a wheeled truck design due to its inherent mobility, lower operating/acquisition costs and standard serviceability versus more expensive In contrast, more complex tracked models attempt to perform the same role on the battlefield. The chassis consisted of an armored cab at the front and a double-layered section at the rear, where a 155mm artillery system was usually installed for indirect artillery fire.

The vehicle was developed as some kind of modular product, allowing guns of different calibers to be mounted to the bed section or the gun unit to be placed on a local truck of the choice of foreign customers.

The cab sits on top of the diesel engine assembly that powers three axles via ten large rubber tire wheels. The cabin is lightly armored for protection against small arms fire and artillery jets, but little else - instead of having direct access to weapon systems, it is designed to sit behind the front lines and fire over friendly forces.

The front axle pair is steerable and power-assisted, while a spare tire is mounted on the rear outer wall of the cab for emergencies. The storage compartment is located in the center of the vehicle, and the weapon, its mounts and the integrated recoil system are all mounted at the rear of the truck chassis.

Its mass is supported by eight rubber tire wheels attached to the two rear axles. The recoil arms are lowered at the rear of the chassis prior to launch and are used to prevent the vehicle from tipping over due to recoil forces. The gun sits on a removable table with mounting hardware that allows the desired elevation angle and relatively unrestricted angle of attack. A digital fire control system improves accuracy, and satellite navigation aids the crew. The vehicle can go from stop to setup in about 1.5 minutes and has a burst rate of 3 rounds per minute for a range of up to 25 miles, depending on barrel length and projectiles used.

This weapon corresponds to all standard options of NATO ammunition.

The current operators are Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Thailand and Uganda. Although it was submitted to the Israeli army, it was not used in branch service. Cameroon remains the largest operator with a fleet of 18 aircraft.

Soltam ATMOS 2000 Specification

Basic

Roles

Performance

Armor

Not available.

Changes